So very excited to share our new publication! This research focuses on the relationship between #transit agencies that provide open data and third-party developers that create smartphone #apps used to navigate public transit.
We found:
– While transit agencies make data & resources available, they do not require app developers to make their products accessible to transit riders with disabilities. An exemplary exception is New York City’s MTA.
– The relationship between transit operators and app developers is elusive and defies traditional relationships – as a result it is difficult to apply disability regulations.
– ADA’s Title II, especially Section H, which was added to Title II in 2024 to expand the ADA to web and apps does not apply because these app are not developed by government agencies.
– Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act falls in a grey area when it comes to these third-party developer apps – third party developers are not procured by transit agencies to make the apps.
– There are, however, indications of Section 508’s potential applicability to third-party developers.
– We recommend transit authorities (and other open data providers) to clearly articulate expectations for third-party app developers to ensure inclusive usability of open-data products.
– Our work highlights the tension between the concept of open data policies as they are currently understood and the placement of expectations and requirements. This is why our work is so cool! 😉 Read article below. 👇
#Publictransit #Smartphoneapps #technology #Disability #Inclusion #Opendata #smartcities #a11y
Gebresselassie, M., Baljko, M. (2024). Accessibility of Third-Party Transit Apps and the Role of Transit Agencies and Their Open Data. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2025.101504
Mahtot [Mah-tote] Gebresselassie, PhD 